Whatever happened to the artist formerly known as Ronaldinho?

11 March 2010 01:54

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One winner: United skipper Gary Neville

RONNY or RED NEV Only one winner. And it wasn't the goofy Brazilian. After his fast start in the San Siro, with a goal after three minutes, this was a slow start here that never got any quicker. Ronny barely touched the ball in the first half. Perhaps it was the prospect of facing the recalled Gary Neville that worried him. Neville was exceptional. A no contest

STAND AND STARE A first touch in the sixth minute for Ronaldinho as he drifts across to the Milan right (to escape Neville?), but in the mean time Neville is attacking again in the wide open spaces left by the Brazilian. A left-foot shot from 25 yards is close

WATCH OUT, ROO'S ABOUTA flashing header, leaping above Nani, only just wide of the post after eight minutes, with Edwin van der Sar rooted to the spot. A warning for United: Ronaldinho is still devilishly dangerous when sniffing for goals. But then he lets the raiding full back go.and that's bad news. One cross from Nev, one header from Rooney, one-nil

Roo beauty: The Manchester United striker scored his second shortly after half-time

THAT'S JUST BATTY Come on then . it's time for the Milan magician to deliver. Now, where has Ronaldinho gone hiding? He's wearing tights and playing like Nora Batty. Judge his performance in the first half and it's 1/10 and the one is for being here.

MISSING, FEARED, LOSTBeck (without) a bang: David Beckham came on as a second-half substitute

The first mazy run with the ball at his feet - after 27 minutes. Skipping into the box, the former Barcelona forward loses control under pressure and the chance passes. It's the last we see of Ronaldinho in the first half, because he goes missing again after that. What happened to the former World Player of the Year?

A RIGHT WARRIORHe's 35 and might be close to the end of his career, but Neville is running the legs off the Brazilian. He has so much space in which to operate and no fear about what's behind. 'Can we play you every week,' might have been the chant.

TOUR DE FARCERonaldinho is still playing like a tourist. Manchester, in March.wish I wasn't here. His lack of effort is an insult to David Beckham, who would have chopped off his right foot to start at Old Trafford. Although that's not such a good idea with the World Cup coming up. Wearing No 80, Ronaldinho is playing like that is his age

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